Motown, Stax & Philly Soul. Pop, Doo-Wop & Rock and Roll.

This Cass Elliott led song is from the M&Ps second studio LP (pictured above) entitled “The Mamas & the Papas”. The LP was released in September 1966 and the “Words of Love” single was released in November 1966 backed with a cover of Martha & The Vandellas’ Motown hit “Dancing in the Streets”. (Source)

“Words of Love” reached #5 on the US charts and #47 on the UK charts. Composed by John Phillips, this tune was no doubt written especially for Baltimore born Cass Elliot: it suited her to a “t”. In fact it really sounds like it could have been, and should have been, promoted as a Cass (Ellen Naomi Cohen) Elliot single. IMHO Cass was “the voice” of the group. Sure the group harmonies were great, but Cass had a helluva voice! Don’t you agree? It was therefore inevitable that she should go for her own solo career.

Words of Love – Composed by John Phillips

Words of love, so soft and tender
Won’t win a girls heart anymore
If you love her then you must send her
Somewhere where she’s never been before
Worn out phrases and longing gazes
Won’t get you where you want to go, no
Words of love, soft and tender
Won’t win her

You oughta know by now
You oughta know, you oughta know by now
Words of love, soft and tender
Won’t win her anymore

You oughta know by now
You oughta know, you oughta know by now
Words of love, soft and tender
Won’t win a girls heart anymore
If you love her then you must send her
Somewhere where she’s never been before
Worn out phrases and longing gazes
Won’t get you where you want to go

Words of love, soft and tender
Won’t win her anymore, anymore

Of course she did leave the California based M&Ps and had a very successful solo career in the USA and UK. While on tour with her solo act, Elliot died of a heart attack on July 29, 1974. RIP Cass Elliot and we thank you for the music.

Formed in 1964 in New York, NY, the California-based group The M&Ps, disbanded 1972.